Dried vs. Canned Beans

Canned beans are fast and easy to use. Or you can prepare dried beans from scratch. Here are some equivalents and cooking instructions:

First, rinse and sort dried beans, discarding any blemished ones or any grit. Then soak:

In a large saucepan, cover drained, soaked beans with three times their volume of fresh water. Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, and topping up with water if necessary, for about 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours, depending on age and type of bean. Drain.

Some maintain that discarding soaking liquid helps to reduce flatulence.

For greatest economy, cook up a whole bunch and freeze in quantities similar to the can sizes you usually use.